Celebrating Virginia Wine Month: Pairings for 8 Favorite Junk Food Snacks
Posted by Melissa Lyden / Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
Shutterstock/Mikael Damkier
For years we have paid homage to high brow wine pairings. Enough of Chardonnay and charcuterie.
Let’s be real…some nights you want to work with what you have at your fingertips. Here are some wine pairings for our favorite types of junk food.
Buffalo Wings
If you can’t take the heat on your own, partner up with semi-sweet wine, like Riesling.
Try: 2010 Swedenburg Estate Vineyards Riesling
Chips & Salsa
Bright in acidity and hints of fruity flavors make Albariño an easy sipper with (or without) this favorite snack.
Try: 2011 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Albariño
Chocolate Bar
Fruit and chocolate are total naturals. And a fruit wine makes chocolate better.
Try: Fabbioli Cellars Raspberry Merlot
Doritos
Food and Wine deemed Cool Ranch Doritos and California Pinot Noir “Must-Try-Before-You-Die.”
Try: 2011 Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir
French Fries
Apparently French Fries and champagne are a “thing.” Either own it or do it when no one is watching.
Try: 2004 Pierre Gimonet Champagne
Pizza
The tomato sauce supplies the acidity, so pick a wine that supplies the fruit. Reciprocity, baby.
Try: 2005 or 2007 Breaux Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Popcorn
Chardonnay and popcorn both have buttery characteristics. Try them together and see what happens.
Try: 2009 Dry Mill Winery Barrel Chardonnay
Potato Chips
For every type of potato chip, there is a wine to wash it down. Food and Wine’s executive wine editor Ray Isle has saved the day with this one.
Try: 2008 Bluemont Vineyard Rose Wine - “The Donkey”
Tags: Albarino, Breaux Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, champagne, chardonnay, chocolate, Cool Ranch Doritos, Dry Mill Winery, Fabbioli Cellars, Food & Wine, french fries, Melissa J. Lyden, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, Pinot Noir, pizza, popcorn, Potato Chips, Raspberry Merlot, Ray Isle, riesling, Swedenburg Estate Vineyards, Virginia wine, Virginia Wine Month, Willowcroft, wine